Canary in Cardiff: Three leaders test the U.K. union

The pro-independence leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have scheduled a Cardiff summit for Sept. 14 to discuss cooperation on four policy areas, including self-determination. Summary Three pro-independence first ministers plan Monday talks covering self-determination, economic policy, energy, and European relations. The Telegraph reports leaders will sign an agreement, but officials have not published its text. Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth rejected claims that the summit seeks Britain’s immediate breakup. Scotland cannot hold an independence referendum unilaterally because constitutional matters remain reserved to Westminster authorities. Northern Ireland’s statutory referendum route depends on a judgment by Britain’s Northern Ireland secretary alone. The Telegraph reported on Sept. 13 that Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill would sign a joint declaration or memorandum of understanding. Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin’s president and leader of the opposition in Ireland’s Dáil, is expected to join the meeting at St David’s Hotel in Cardiff Bay. A press conference is plan...